Finite Element Modelling of a Parabolic Trough Collector for Concentrated Solar Power
Nowadays the design of large-scale structures can be effectively improved by the adoption of numerical models. Even if experimental tests still play a fundamental role, a methodological approach that combines experimental testing and modelling technique can significantly improve the understanding of...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2021-01-01
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| Series: | Energies |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/14/1/209 |
| _version_ | 1797542569670868992 |
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| author | Andrea Gilioli Francesco Cadini Luca Abbiati Giulio Angelo Guido Solero Massimo Fossati Andrea Manes Lino Carnelli Carla Lazzari Stefano Cardamone Marco Giglio |
| author_facet | Andrea Gilioli Francesco Cadini Luca Abbiati Giulio Angelo Guido Solero Massimo Fossati Andrea Manes Lino Carnelli Carla Lazzari Stefano Cardamone Marco Giglio |
| author_sort | Andrea Gilioli |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Nowadays the design of large-scale structures can be effectively improved by the adoption of numerical models. Even if experimental tests still play a fundamental role, a methodological approach that combines experimental testing and modelling technique can significantly improve the understanding of the matter. This, in fact, would result in a more reliable optimization process, drastically reducing efforts and uncertainties towards the implementation of the final product. The present work deals with the development of a finite element model for the analysis of a full-scale prototype of an innovative parabolic trough collector. The collector is analysed under several load conditions in order to evaluate its structural behaviour. Each load configuration is also numerically reproduced. Moreover, it is demonstrated that the model is capable of reproducing both the global (stiffness) and local (strain state) behaviour of the structure. Specifically, the comparison between experimental data and numerical results show a good agreement for the global parameter torsional stiffness. Local strain values are also well reproduced in high-stressed zone. Thus, the model can be used as a reliable “virtual tool” for designers to evaluate the suitability of layout modifications, thereby replacing and reducing the amount of commonly needed experimental tests and, consequently, reducing time and costs. Finally, an example of the potentiality of the finite element model adopted for a computer-aided engineering approach is shown to determine the most promising solution for increasing the torsional stiffness of the trough, while simultaneously limiting the required experimental tests. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-10T13:32:26Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-ed2198accfd7422081b2a95f481cccfd |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1996-1073 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-10T13:32:26Z |
| publishDate | 2021-01-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Energies |
| spelling | doaj.art-ed2198accfd7422081b2a95f481cccfd2023-11-21T07:55:09ZengMDPI AGEnergies1996-10732021-01-0114120910.3390/en14010209Finite Element Modelling of a Parabolic Trough Collector for Concentrated Solar PowerAndrea Gilioli0Francesco Cadini1Luca Abbiati2Giulio Angelo Guido Solero3Massimo Fossati4Andrea Manes5Lino Carnelli6Carla Lazzari7Stefano Cardamone8Marco Giglio9Dipartimento di Meccanica—Politecnico di Milano, via La Masa 1, 20156 Milan, ItalyDipartimento di Meccanica—Politecnico di Milano, via La Masa 1, 20156 Milan, ItalyDipartimento di Meccanica—Politecnico di Milano, via La Masa 1, 20156 Milan, ItalyDipartimento di Energia—Politecnico di Milano, via Lambruschini, 20156 Milan, ItalyDipartimento di Meccanica—Politecnico di Milano, via La Masa 1, 20156 Milan, ItalyDipartimento di Meccanica—Politecnico di Milano, via La Masa 1, 20156 Milan, ItalyENI SpA, Renewable Energy & Environmental R&D Center, Istituto ENI Donegani, 28100 Novara, ItalyENI SpA, Renewable Energy & Environmental R&D Center, Istituto ENI Donegani, 28100 Novara, ItalyENI SpA, Renewable Energy & Environmental R&D Center, Istituto ENI Donegani, 28100 Novara, ItalyDipartimento di Meccanica—Politecnico di Milano, via La Masa 1, 20156 Milan, ItalyNowadays the design of large-scale structures can be effectively improved by the adoption of numerical models. Even if experimental tests still play a fundamental role, a methodological approach that combines experimental testing and modelling technique can significantly improve the understanding of the matter. This, in fact, would result in a more reliable optimization process, drastically reducing efforts and uncertainties towards the implementation of the final product. The present work deals with the development of a finite element model for the analysis of a full-scale prototype of an innovative parabolic trough collector. The collector is analysed under several load conditions in order to evaluate its structural behaviour. Each load configuration is also numerically reproduced. Moreover, it is demonstrated that the model is capable of reproducing both the global (stiffness) and local (strain state) behaviour of the structure. Specifically, the comparison between experimental data and numerical results show a good agreement for the global parameter torsional stiffness. Local strain values are also well reproduced in high-stressed zone. Thus, the model can be used as a reliable “virtual tool” for designers to evaluate the suitability of layout modifications, thereby replacing and reducing the amount of commonly needed experimental tests and, consequently, reducing time and costs. Finally, an example of the potentiality of the finite element model adopted for a computer-aided engineering approach is shown to determine the most promising solution for increasing the torsional stiffness of the trough, while simultaneously limiting the required experimental tests.https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/14/1/209solar energyconcentrated solar power systemparabolic trough collectornumerical modelFEMstructural integrity |
| spellingShingle | Andrea Gilioli Francesco Cadini Luca Abbiati Giulio Angelo Guido Solero Massimo Fossati Andrea Manes Lino Carnelli Carla Lazzari Stefano Cardamone Marco Giglio Finite Element Modelling of a Parabolic Trough Collector for Concentrated Solar Power Energies solar energy concentrated solar power system parabolic trough collector numerical model FEM structural integrity |
| title | Finite Element Modelling of a Parabolic Trough Collector for Concentrated Solar Power |
| title_full | Finite Element Modelling of a Parabolic Trough Collector for Concentrated Solar Power |
| title_fullStr | Finite Element Modelling of a Parabolic Trough Collector for Concentrated Solar Power |
| title_full_unstemmed | Finite Element Modelling of a Parabolic Trough Collector for Concentrated Solar Power |
| title_short | Finite Element Modelling of a Parabolic Trough Collector for Concentrated Solar Power |
| title_sort | finite element modelling of a parabolic trough collector for concentrated solar power |
| topic | solar energy concentrated solar power system parabolic trough collector numerical model FEM structural integrity |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/14/1/209 |
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